Owner’s Manual Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the BOSS DR-3 Dr. Rhythm. Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: • USING THE UNIT SAFELY (page 2–4) • IMPORTANT NOTES (page 5) These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, Owner's manual should be read in its entirety.
USING THE UNIT SAFELY The symbol alerts the user to important instructions or warnings.The specific meaning of the symbol is determined by the design contained within the triangle. In the case of the symbol at left, it is used for general cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger. Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of death or severe injury should the unit be used improperly.
010 015 • This unit, either alone or in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level, or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should immediately stop using the unit, and consult an audiologist.
101b 110b • The unit and the AC adaptor should be located so their location or position does not interfere with their proper ventilation. • Whenever you suspect the possibility of lightning in your area, disconnect the AC adaptor from the outlet. .................................................................................................. 102d • If used improperly, batteries may explode or leak and cause damage or injury.
IMPORTANT NOTES 291a In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on page 2–4, please read and observe the following: Power Supply: Use of Batteries Maintenance 301 401a • Do not use this unit on the same power circuit with any device that will generate line noise (such as an electric motor or variable lighting system). • For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth or one that has been slightly dampened with water.
Main Features ■ Making Your Own Rhythm Pattern Arrangements with Style Play With the DR-3, you can enjoy performing rhythm patterns made up of drum and bass sounds. You can add fill-ins and switch patterns while you play, making it easy to develop choruses, bridges, and solos for your songs. ■ 100 Different Preset Styles The DR-3 comes with 100 different prepared Styles in a variety of genres, including Rock, Funk, Hip Hop, Jazz, Latin, and more. You can also create up to 100 of your own original Styles.
Main Features ■ Setting the Tempo with Tap Tempo Function You can set tempos just by tapping the button at the desired timing. ■ Key Shift Function You can easily change the key in which you are playing. You can also easily get flat-tuning of a guitar, or match the key used by a different instrument, such as a sax. ■ Convenient Song Composing and Performing Functions While basically following procedures similar to those used in performing Styles, you can create songs intuitively with the panel pads.
Contents USING THE UNIT SAFELY ..................................................................... 2 IMPORTANT NOTES............................................................................... 5 Main Features ......................................................................................... 6 Panel Descriptions ............................................................................... 12 Before You Play ....................................................................................
Contents Chapter 3 Playing Styles (Auto Mode [AUTO]) .................................. 46 Selecting a Style......................................................................................................... 46 Performing in Auto Mode ....................................................................................... 46 Changing the Pattern Progression in Auto Mode......................................... 47 Chapter 4 Controlling the Styles with a Foot Switch ........................
Contents <4> Confirming the Created Style.......................................................................... 70 Performing the Created Style........................................................................... 70 Editing the Settings............................................................................................ 70 Naming, Copying, and Deleting Styles ................................................................. 71 Naming the Style ...............................................
Contents Chapter 11 Connecting and Using External MIDI Devices ............... 93 What is MIDI? .................................................................................................... 93 Starting/Stopping and Synchronizing Performances on the DR-3 from an External MIDI Device................................................................................ 93 Setting the MIDI Channels ............................................................................... 94 Setting Sync Mode ...........
Panel Descriptions Front Panel fig.Panel 2 1 3 4 5 8 9 13 7 6 10 11 12 14 1. Display * 2. The explanations in this manual include illustrations that depict what should typically be shown by the display. Note, however, that your unit may incorporate a newer, enhanced version of the system (e.g., includes newer sounds), so what you actually see in the display may not always match what appears in the manual. VALUE dial Selects Styles and songs.
Panel Descriptions 4. 8. START button * These are indicated in this manual as [ Starts and pauses Styles/songs playback or recording. STOP STEP REC 5. button 6. VARIATION buttons PTN button KIT button EDIT button MUTE button / / /EXIT / /ENTER buttons The four buttons, , , and are called the cursor buttons. Cursor buttons are used to select parameters and changes screens (pages). EXIT button is pressed to stop an operation.
Panel Descriptions Rear Panel fig.jack 1 1. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 MIDI IN connector External MIDI device can be connected to this connector. 2. FOOT SW (Switch) jack By connecting a foot switch, you can obtain pedal control over the start and stop of performances, switching the patterns, or other actions. 3. OUTPUT jack R (MONO) / L (PHONES) Provides output of the audio signals. Connect to your amp, stereo system, or similar equipment. For monaural output use the R (MONO) jack.
Before You Play Install Batteries 1 NOTE fig.00-01 2 When turning the unit upsidedown, get a bunch of newspapers or magazines, and place them under the four corners or at both ends to prevent damage to the buttons and controls. Also, you should try to orient the unit so no buttons or controls get damaged. Remove the battery cover on the unit’s underside. NOTE 3 Insert six AA batteries in the battery case, taking care to ensure that the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals are not reversed.
Before You Play Making Connections The DR-3 is not equipped with an internal amp or speakers. To hear sound, either connect an amplifier and speakers or use stereo headphones. Audio cables, MIDI cables, Stereo headphones, and foot switches are not included. Please purchase these items from your dealer. 1 Before you begin making connections, confirm the following.
Before You Play Turning On/Off the Power ■ Turning on the power 1 Before You Play Once the connections have been completed (p. 16), turn on power to your various devices in the order specified. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices. Before you turn the power on, make sure of the following points.
Before You Play Reset to Default Factory Settings (Factory Reset) This returns all settings on the DR-3 to the values they had when the unit shipped from the factory. This is called Factory Reset. fig.00-06p 1 2, 4 3, 5, 6 1 With the performance stopped, press [EDIT]. fig.00-07d 2 Press [ ] to select a . fig.00-08d 3 Press [ENTER]. fig.
Before You Play 4 Press [ ] to select a . fig.00-10d Before You Play 5 Press [ENTER]. A message confirming that you want to proceed with Factory Reset is displayed. fig.00-11d To cancel, press [EXIT]. 6 To execute Factory Reset, press [ENTER]. Factory Reset is executed. When Factory Reset is done, the previous screen is displayed. All of the settings are restored to their original factory status.
Quick Start This Quick Start manual describes how to enjoy performing the rhythm used in the DR-3’s Styles. Pre-programmed Styles are provided in Rock, Jazz, and a variety of other musical genres. Once you select a Style in the desired genre, you can put together backing that matches your own performances by switching Patterns. The Patterns prepared for each Style include not only an “intro” and “ending,” but up to three types of “fill-ins” and “verses” (main rhythm patterns).
Let’s Listen to the Demo Now listen to the demo performance, which brings the DR-3’s “Styles” to life. fig.QS-01p 1 2 NOTE 1 Hold down [MANU] and press [AUTO]. The DR-3 switches to Demo mode, and the performance begins. If a Pattern or song is playing, press STOP [ performance, then perform Step 1. ] to stop the fig.QS-02d The Style name which is playing, is displayed. 2 Press STOP [ All rights reserved.
Let’s Play a Style There are two ways to perform Styles, using “Manual mode,” in which you switch the Pattern yourself, or “Auto mode,” where the DR-3 switches Patterns automatically. Now, try performing in Manual mode. For more information on “Auto mode,” please refer to p. 31. Performing Styles with Selecting Patterns ([MANU]) Each Style includes eight prepared rhythm patterns; intro, fill-in A, verse A, fill-in B, verse B, fill-in C, verse C and ending.
Let’s Play a Style 2 3 Press [INTRO/START] to start the performance from the intro. Press one of the pattern pads to switch Patterns. When you press a pattern pad other than [INTRO/START], the performance begins from that pattern. Pad Name INTRO/ START After the intro is Descrip- played, the tion Style proceeds to Verse A. FILL A VERSE A FILL B VERSE B FILL C VERSE C ENDING/ STOP After Fill-In A is played, the Style proceeds to Verse A. This is the main performance Pattern.
Let’s Play a Style Performing Variations on Styles (VARIATION) You can use the three VARIATION buttons to add variety to the performance, even with the same Style. Button Name PTN KIT Description The Pattern’s variation is played. This substitutes the kits, thereby changing the tone. MUTE This mutes a part of the drum set. What is a Kit? — These are sounds, selected from those built into the DR-3, consisting of 26 drum sounds and one bass sound that are grouped together as a single set. fig.
Let’s Play a Style 4 Press VARIATION [KIT]. VARIATION [KIT] lights up, and the drum set and bass sounds changes. When you press VARIATION [KIT] once again, the button’s light goes out, and the original Pattern is played. Quick Start 5 With some Styles, the sound may not change. Press VARIATION [MUTE]. VARIATION [MUTE] lights up, and a part of sounds are muted. When you press VARIATION [MUTE] once again, the button’s light goes out, and the muted sounds play again.
Let’s Play a Style Selecting Styles The DR-3 comes with 100 pre-programmed Styles already built in. Now try listening to some of the different Styles. fig.QS-06p You can also create your own Styles. For more information, refer to “Chapter 7 Creating Styles” (p. 61). 2 1 3 1 4 With the performance stopped, press [MANU] so the button lights up. If you switch the style during The Style screen appears in the display. its performance, a “ fig.QS-04d Style No.
Let’s Play a Style Changing the Tempo ([TEMPO]) Now let’s try changing the performance tempo. fig.QS-08p Quick Start 2 3 1 1 Press [TEMPO (TAP)]. The Tempo screen appears. fig.QS-09d 2 Adjust the tempo with the VALUE dial. The tempo can be set to any value from 20 to 260. 3 Press [EXIT] to return you to the previous screen. ■ Setting the Tempo by Tapping It Out (Tap Tempo) You can have the tempo be set to match an interval that you’ve demonstrated by tapping the button.
Let’s Play a Style Changing the Key ([KEY SHIFT]) You can perform Styles in different keys (transposed). This function is called “Key Shift.” fig.QS-10p 2 3 1 1 Press [KEY SHIFT]. The Key Shift screen appears. fig.QS-11d 2 Set the key with the VALUE dial. You can set the value in semitone units within the range from -12 to +12, or one octave lower to one octave higher. This changes the key of the performance. 3 Press [EXIT] to return you to the previous screen.
Let’s Use a Foot Switch You can use a foot switch (such as the optional FS-5U) to start and stop performances and switch verses (p. 23). This is convenient, as it allows you to switch the Patterns with your foot. You can connect up to two foot switches. 1 NOTE Connect the foot switch to the FOOT SW jack on the rear panel. fig.QS-14 To prevent malfunction and/ or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down the volume, and turn off the power on all devices before connecting a foot switch.
Let’s Use a Foot Switch Using the Foot Switch The example here describes use of the DR-3 with two foot switches connected. When you have only one foot switch connected, you can only use it to start and stop the performance. 1 You can change the foot switch functions. For more details, refer to “Assigning Functions to the Foot Switch” (p. 49). With the performance stopped, press [MANU] so the button lights up. This puts the DR-3 in Manual mode.
Let’s Perform with the Patterns Switched Automatically ([AUTO]) When you perform Styles in Auto mode, the DR-3 switches the Patterns automatically, even without the pattern pads being pressed. This lets you enjoy session-like performances without having to take your hands off the guitar or other instrument you are playing. Quick Start fig.QS-12p 1 2 1 3 With the performance stopped, press [AUTO] so the button lights up. This puts the DR-3 in Auto mode. fig.
Let’s Change the Overall Tone of the Sound and Acoustics (TSC) “TSC,” short for “Total Sound Control,” is a function that lets you change the acoustic effects for the overall performance just by pressing a few buttons. TSC includes two types of effect, “Sound Shape,” which changes the overall tone of the sound, and “Ambience,” which alters the overall acoustic characteristics. fig.QS-16p 4, 8 1 3, 5 7, 9 6, 10 2 1 2 3 With the performance stopped, press [MANU] or [AUTO] so the button lights up.
Let’s Change the Overall Tone of the Sound and Acoustics (TSC) 5 Press [SOUND SHAPE] so the button lights up. Sound Shape is applied to the performance. Each time you press [SOUND SHAPE], it alternately turns the button on (lit) and off (unlit). 6 7 Quick Start Press [EXIT] to return you to the previous screen. Press TSC [AMBIENCE]. The TSC screen is displayed. fig.QS-18d 8 9 Turn the VALUE dial to select a Ambience effect. Press [AMBIENCE] so the button light up.
Chapter 1 Overview of the DR-3 The DR-3’s Performance Modes The DR-3 features two performance modes, Style Play mode, in which the rhythm patterns are switched as you play, and Song mode, in which you create data by arranging the patterns beforehand, and then perform. Furthermore, “Style Play mode” features a Manual mode, in which you switch the rhythm patterns yourself, and an Auto mode, where the rhythm patterns are switched automatically.
Chapter 1 Overview of the DR-3 Makeup of a Style Patterns Variation Verse A Intro Chapter 1 fig.01-01 Verse B Verse C Fill A Verse A Fill B Verse B Fill C Verse C Ending Style Variation Patterns Patterns Kit Kit Mute Kit Instrument Variation KICK Kit SNR1 TOM3 KICK SNR2 SNR1 TOM3 BASS SNR2 TOM3 BASS TOM3 BASS 1 2 3 4 Kit No.128 KICK SNR1 TOM3 SNR2 No.
Chapter 1 Overview of the DR-3 Kits The drum, percussion, and bass sounds used in performing patterns are referred to as “kits.” The Styles have predetermined kits assigned to them, so you can change kits by changing Styles, and thus change the sounds played with the pads. Variation Variation is a function that alters performances, for example building up the performance or toning it down. There are three kinds of variations, [PTN] (Pattern), [KIT], and [MUTE]. [PTN] This alternates the Pattern.
Chapter 1 Overview of the DR-3 Song Mode Chapter 1 Switch to Song mode by pressing the MODE [SONG] button. In Song mode, you create songs by recording the sequence in which the patterns are to be played, or play the song that you have created. * When using a MODE button to switch modes, stop the performance first before you press the button. Switching the Pad Functions The DR-3’s [ ] and [INST] are used to switch between two different functions. Specifying Patterns with the Pads ([ ] is Lit) fig.
Chapter 1 Overview of the DR-3 Main Screens and Functions Style screen fig.01-d1 Style No. Style Name Measure Beat Tempo With the performance stopped, pressing [MANU] or [AUTO] causes the button to light up, switches the DR-3 to Style Play mode, and calls up the Style screen. When the DR-3 is in Style Play mode, pressing the [EXIT] button returns the Style screen to the display. Song screen fig.01-d2 Song No. Measure Song Name Style No.
Chapter 1 Overview of the DR-3 Realtime Recording screen fig.01-d5 Measure Beat Chapter 1 Style No. Pattern Name Sound Group Quantize When you press START [ ] after pressing STEP REC [ ] in Style Play mode ([MANU] or [AUTO] lit), Realtime Recording starts and the Realtime Recording screen is displayed. When you press STOP [ ], recording stops and you're returned to the Style screen. Velocity Edit screen fig.
Chapter 1 Overview of the DR-3 ■ Starting and Stopping Performances and Recording Use these buttons to start, pause, stop, and record performances of Styles and songs. fig.01-plystp START [ ] Press START [ ] when the performance is stopped to start the performance of the Style or song. When you press START [ ] while the performance is playing, the performance of the Style or song is paused. Press the button once again to resume the performance from the point where it was paused.
Chapter 1 Overview of the DR-3 ■ Adjusting the Tempo ([TEMPO]) Chapter 1 Use the following procedure to adjust Style and song tempos. fig.01-03p 2 3 1 1. Press [TEMPO (TAP)]. The Tempo screen appears in the display. fig.01-04d 2. Adjust the tempo with the VALUE dial. You can tap [TEMPO (TAP)] at least four times to set the tempo to the interval between the taps. For more details, refer to “Setting the Tempo by Tapping It Out (Tap Tempo)” (p. 27). The tempo can be set to any value from 20 to 260.
Chapter 1 Overview of the DR-3 ■ Changing the Key of the Performance ([KEY SHIFT]) Use the following procedure to change the key of the Styles and songs (transposing). fig.01-04p 2 3 1 1. Press [KEY SHIFT]. The Key Shift screen appears in the display. fig.01-05d 2. Set the key with the VALUE dial. You can set the value in semitone units within the range from -12 to +12, or one octave lower to one octave higher. This changes the key of the performance. 3.
Chapter 2 Playing Styles (Manual Mode [MANU]) The DR-3 features 100 pre-programmed internal Styles in a variety of musical genres. You can perform by selecting the Styles and switching the Patterns in “Manual mode.” fig.02-01p For more on creating Styles, refer to “Chapter 7 Creating Styles” (p. 61). Lit Pattern Pad The DR-3’s pads can be switched between two modes of operation, [ ] and [INST] (p. 37). Patterns are switched with the pads when [ ] is lit.
Chapter 2 Playing Styles (Manual Mode [MANU]) Selecting the Patterns to be Played fig.02-03p Pattern Pads A single Style is divided into eight performance units called “Patterns,” which are assigned to the pattern pads. Pattern Pad INTRO/ START After the intro is Descrip- played, the tion Style proceeds to Verse A. FILL A After Fill-In A is played, the Style proceeds to Verse A. VERSE A This is the main performance Pattern. FILL B After Fill-In B is played, the Style proceeds to Verse B.
Chapter 2 Playing Styles (Manual Mode [MANU]) Selecting Variations (VARIATION) fig.02-04p VARIATION Buttons Lit Each Style includes three different variations, which you can use to add variety to the performance, even with the same Style. The functions of the three VARIATION buttons are described below. Button Name Description 1. PTN This alternates the Patterns. KIT This substitutes the kits, thereby changing the sound. MUTE This mutes a part of the drum set.
Chapter 3 Playing Styles (Auto Mode [AUTO]) When you perform Styles in Auto mode, the DR-3 switches the Patterns automatically, even without the pattern pads being pressed. This lets you enjoy session-like performances without having to take your hands off the guitar or other instrument you are playing. When performing in Auto mode, the Patterns are basically played in the following sequence. You can also press a button other than [INTRO/START] to begin the performance from that Pattern. “Patterns” (p.
Chapter 3 Playing Styles (Auto Mode [AUTO]) ■ Changing the Pattern Progression in Auto Mode You can change the pattern progression when performing in Auto mode. 1. With the performance stopped, press [EDIT]. The Edit Menu screen appears. fig.09-01d fig.09-02d Parameter Value ABC, ABC 4, ABC 8, ABC 16, AB, AB 4, AB 8, AB 16 AutoType The letters indicates the sequence of the verses. The numeral represents the number of measures performed in each verse.
Chapter 4 Controlling the Styles with a Foot Switch You can use a foot switch (such as the optional FS-5U) to start and stop performances and switch verses (p. 44). This is convenient, as it allows you to switch the Patterns with your foot. You can connect up to two foot switches.
Chapter 4 Controlling the Styles with a Foot Switch Assigning Functions to the Foot Switch You can assign functions other than starting and stopping performances and switching verses to the foot switch. fig.04-01p Press the [EDIT] button. 2. Press [ Chapter 4 1. ] to select a . fig.04-02d 3. Press [ENTER]. 4. Press [ ][ ] to select a or a .
Chapter 4 Controlling the Styles with a Foot Switch Functions That Can Be Assigned to Foot Switches Settings Function INTRO/ END When [MANU] or [AUTO] is lit: When the foot switch is pressed while the performance is stopped, the performance starts from the intro. If the foot switch is pressed while the performance is in progress, the ending is played, and then the performance stops.
Chapter 5 Changing the Overall Tone of the Sound and Acoustics (TSC) “TSC,” short for “Total Sound Control,” is a function that lets you change the overall tone of the sound and acoustics. TSC includes two types of effect, “Sound Shape,” which changes the overall tone of the sound, and “Ambience,” which alters the acoustic characteristics of the overall sound.
Chapter 5 Changing the Overall Tone of the Sound and Acoustics (TSC) Altering the Acoustic Characteristics of the Overall Sound ([AMBIENCE]) “Ambience” adjusts the breadth of the sound by altering the acoustic characteristics of the sound. 1. Press [AMBIENCE]. The TSC screen appears. fig.05-03d Each time you press [AMBIENCE], it alternately turns the button on (lit) and off (unlit). 2. Turn the VALUE dial to select the effect.
Chapter 5 Changing the Overall Tone of the Sound and Acoustics (TSC) Changing the Sound Shape Parameters ■ Changing the Equalizer Parameters You can store up to eight edited Sound Shape parameters. The values that can be set for each of the parameters are shown below. * Unable to change the settings for the Preset Sound Shape, with a “P” appended to their number. This changes the parameters of the Sound Shape 3-Band equalizer.
Chapter 5 Changing the Overall Tone of the Sound and Acoustics (TSC) ■ Changing the Compressor Parameters This changes the parameters of the Sound Shape compressor. The Compressor compresses the overall output signal when the input volume level exceeds a set value. The values that can be set for each of the parameters are shown below. Parameter COMP / Switch Value Description OFF, ON This parameter turns the compressor effect on/off.
Chapter 5 Changing the Overall Tone of the Sound and Acoustics (TSC) ■ Naming the Settings ■ Copying the Settings Select a on step 4 in p. 53, then press [ENTER]. Select a on step 4 in p. 53, then press [ENTER]. You can edit the name of the currently selected Sound Shape setting, using up to six characters for the name. Copy the currently selected Sound Shape setting to the User settings (U1–U8). fig.09-28d fig.
Chapter 5 Changing the Overall Tone of the Sound and Acoustics (TSC) Changing the Ambience Parameters You can store up to eight edited Ambience parameters. * ■ Changing the Ambience Parameters The values that can be set for each of the parameters are shown below. Unable to change the settings for the Preset Ambience, with a “P” appended to their number. Parameter * When the unit left the factory, the User settings (U1–U8) contained the same settings as the Preset (P1–P8). Size 5.6 m– 20.
Chapter 5 Changing the Overall Tone of the Sound and Acoustics (TSC) Parameter Hi Damp / Freq Value Description 400 Hz– 16 kHz This parameter adjusts the standard frequency at which the high-frequencies are damped. The reverb sound in the band above the standard frequency is damped. This parameter adjusts the frequency at which the lowfrequencies are cut. Low Cut / Freq 20 Hz– 2.0 kHz High Cut / Freq This parameter adjusts the 250 Hz– frequency at which the low14.0 kHz, frequencies are cut.
Chapter 6 Performing with the Pads When you press [INST], the button lights up, and you can then play drum set and bass sounds by pressing the pads. You can also turn [INST] on while Styles and songs are in progress to play sounds with the pads. You can perform using the following pads when [INST] is lit. The tones that are assigned to the pads in the Preset Styles are predetermined for each Style. fig.06-01p Lit Pad No.
Chapter 6 Performing with the Pads Playing Drum Sounds 1. Press [INST] a number of times until “DRUM” appears in the display. fig.06-02d For details on the sounds assigned to the pads, refer to the “Preset Kit List” (p. 106). 2. Tap the pads to perform. The instrument sounds assigned to the pads are played. The names of the assigned instruments are printed under the pads. Playing Percussion Sounds 1. Press [INST] a number of times until “PERC” appears in the display. fig.06-03d Chapter 6 2.
Chapter 6 Performing with the Pads Selecting a Different Sound (VARIATION [KIT]) When [INST] is on, the set of three groups of sounds played with the pads (DRUM, PERC, BASS) is called the “drum kit.” A single Style has two drum kits included with it, and you can switch between these two drum kits by turning VARIATION [KIT] on and off. fig.06-06p 1. Press [ 2. Press VARIATION [KIT] so the button lights up. 3. Press [INST] so the button lights up. ] so the button lights up.
Chapter 7 Creating Styles Even though the DR-3 comes with a great variety of styles, representing many genres, you can also create your own original styles. Such original styles are called “User styles.” User styles have a “U” at the beginning of the style number, for example “U001.” You can create and store up to 100 User styles in the DR-3. Procedure for Creating Styles Here are the steps you need to take to create a new style: fig.
Chapter 7 Creating Styles <1> Selecting a Number for the Style 1. With the performance stopped, press [MANU]. The Style screen appears. ■ Setting the Tempo for the Style 1. Select the style to be set, then press [EDIT]. The Edit Menu screen appears. 2. Select a
